Gothic Fairies
From LoveToKnow Sci-Fi
Whenever you walk into any sort of alternative store likeHot Topic or Spencer’s Gifts it’s hard to not stop by the section dedicatred to gothic fairies and other fantasy art.
What are Fairies
Fairies have long been part of mythology and folklore in many parts of the world and are known by several names and various spellings including:
- Faerie
- Fey
- Fae
- Fay
Whatever you call them a fairy is a mythical being and creature of legend. They have human features and bodies along with wings.
So What are Gothic Fairies
Gothic fairies are like the normal fairies that you are familiar with but with more of an edge – almost more science fiction than fantasy in some cases. They are thought of as being much darker, punkish or EMO. They can be seen sitting on twisted dead trees or wicked rock formations. These fairies aren’t flute playing or peace loving little beings but carry weapons and are more vicious and mischievous.
Gothic fairies have grown in popularity for those that tire of the happy and cheerful normal depiction of fairies in various movies, artwork and Tinkerbell spin-off films. They are great subject matter for popular fantasy art by some wonderful artists such as Amy Brown. They have moved merely from paintings and filtered graphic art to 3D sculptures.
Could Fairies be Real
No matter what the evidence or the myth there are always those that believe. Beliving in the existence of fairies is no different than beliving in Bigfoot or flying saucers. And like these two instances fairies also have photographic evidence that could be, or could not be, real. These fairies were known as the Cottingley Fairies.
The photos were taken in 1917 by two girls; Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright. The children would speak often about seeing fairies down by the creek. The children were teased by their peers and Frances was allowed to borrow her father’s quarter plate camera which she had no previous knowledge of how to use. The girls were able to take several photographs which Frances' father developed only to discover odd images on the photos later determining them to be fairies.
These fairy pictures became a worldwide phenomenon with noted author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, giving the photos his approval that they were authentic. Despite the girls confessing them to be fakes when they were both in their 60’s there is still some argument that they are actually real. You be the judge:
- Cottingley Connect – This web site tells the story of the Cottingley Fairies from a believer’s point of view. There are links that lead to the actual photos including some of Elise with what some consider to be a Gnome as well as a history of the real photos (and some snapshots of them);
- Arthur Conan Doyle, Spiritualism, and Fairies – This site is dedicated to the author and some of his more memorable ideas and thoughts. This is more of a disbeliever’s point of view to the Cottingley Fairy mystery;
- James Randi Educational Foundation – A ferocious attack on the validity of the photos offering compelling thoughts on why they aren’t real.
The Artists That Make Gothic Fairies Come to Life
Since fairies, especially the gothic variety, have captured the creativity and dark whimsy of so many people the art and the artists become pioneers in this genre of art.
Amy Brown: She is one of the most well-known fantasy artists of gothic fairies you will find. Her sculptures and art work can be found in nearly every mall in the world. Her site offers many items for sale that depict her gothic fairies including prints, sculptures and throws.
Jasmine Becket-Griffith: Residing in Florida this young artist has been painting full-time and freelance for over 10 years. When she isn’t painting she is traveling to art shows or spending time with her family.
Myka Jelina: This artist combines the surreal, over-sized look of the Bratz and combines it with the darkness inherent in gothic fantasy art to create memorable art prints. She also sells her prints on book bags, notebooks, aprons and other printable items. She even provides tattoo flash for some of her gothic fairies.
Jessica Galbreth: The artwork she showcases is fine indeed available as prints as well as other collectible items. Her art is more realistic in nature giving the fairies (among other subject matter) very human features.
Maria Plieger: An artist in the strictest sense she only sells her work as actual paintings. Her work is also not produced in quantity.
Gothic Fairy Art Depositories
Not every artist is able to mass produce their work and sell to the masses so they settle to showcase their work in galleries on the Internet.
Gothic Gallery – A collection of various artists that depict fairies in many styles from the surreal to the computer aided.
FaerieDust Gallery – This gallery showcases some of the best in fairie-inspired art ranging from RPG and CCG games to painting and sculptures.
Learn More
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